Uchiha Fugaku was left momentarily speechless. He understood everything Uchiha Ran had said, yet as the head of the Uchiha Clan—and as Ran's father—he couldn't help but worry. If the clan gained no tangible authority at all, wouldn't people inevitably criticize them?
Ran rubbed the bridge of his throbbing nose and finally spoke.
"From now on, the Uchiha Clan will be responsible for the logistics and supply of ninja tools for all departments in Konoha. You will report directly to the Finance Department."
Fugaku's brows knit together. He clearly wasn't satisfied and was about to speak, but Ran slammed his palm onto the table.
"No bargaining. Take it or leave it."
"So far, the Uchiha haven't produced any talents who can independently shoulder major responsibilities. Besides, my position alone is already the greatest benefit the Uchiha Clan has gained."
"As the Hokage's clan, the Uchiha will hold an elevated status and will never again be bullied. But do not become arrogant."
"If I grant my own clan excessive power right now, the other ninja clans will grow resentful. I hope you understand this, Father."
"Power isn't being denied—it's being granted gradually, step by step. You can't eat yourself full in one bite, can you?"
Logic and emotion intertwined in his words.
At last, Fugaku sighed and nodded.
"Fine. I'll go speak with the Ninja Cat Clan later and discuss the future sale and distribution of ninja tools."
Ran nodded. "Good. Let's head back."
With that, Ran stood and left the Hokage Building together with Fugaku.
Night had already fallen. The dark sky was filled with scattered stars. Ran paused, gazing up at them, and spoke quietly.
"Father, being Hokage isn't as simple as you think. It's about balance, development, and knowing how to read the situation."
"Grabbing benefits blindly for one's own family will only lead to the same fate as Hiruzen Sarutobi—despised by others and disgraced in old age."
"If I give the Uchiha too much power, I'll be accused of favoritism. If I give too little, the clan will say I'm heartless."
"The ninja tool trade is essentially Konoha's lifeline. Entrusting it to the Uchiha is already the greatest concession I can make."
Fugaku nodded slowly. It wasn't that he didn't understand—he was simply too easily swayed by others' opinions. That very weakness had once caused deep divisions within the clan.
If Ran hadn't appeared and forcefully unified the Uchiha, the hawks and doves might still be arguing endlessly about a coup in that cramped meeting hall.
"I understand," Fugaku said. "You've worked hard. I'll go appease the clansmen. Now that the Hokage of Konoha is an Uchiha, what more could they possibly be dissatisfied with?"
Ran nodded and headed home.
As soon as he returned, he had just turned toward his room when a small figure suddenly rushed over.
"Big brother!"
Sasuke ran toward him with excitement written all over his face.
Ran's expression softened. "Sasuke, were you waiting for me?"
Sasuke nodded vigorously. At around seven years old, he was already handsome—an unmistakable example of a cute little boy.
"Big brother, I heard—you really became the Hokage of Konoha! Is it true?" Sasuke's eyes sparkled. "Then that means I'm the Hokage's little brother! If anyone bullies me later, I'll just say, 'My brother is the Hokage!' Who wouldn't give me face then?"
Ran rolled his eyes.
"I did become Hokage, that's true. But the Hokage can't just use his power to bully others."
"As the Hokage's brother, you should be even more open-minded than everyone else. If someone's truly in the wrong, you can use my name. But if you're the one at fault and you still use my name—then I'll personally teach you a lesson."
That half-indulgent, half-threatening tone made Sasuke nod obediently.
"I know, big brother."
He puffed out his cheeks, then quickly leaned against Ran again, clinging tightly.
"Brother, brother! Teach me ninjutsu, okay? I heard you know a Fire Release technique where, once you breathe it out, it turns into a whole sea of flames! I want to learn that!"
Sasuke's eyes were filled with little stars.
Ran gave him a strange look. He could easily tell—Sasuke didn't want to learn ninjutsu to become stronger. He wanted to show off.
After all, once the clouds clear and the rain stops, the so-called "Second Pillar" always feels like he's unstoppable.
Thinking of the phrase "Uchiha's Four Laughing Maniacs" from his previous life—and how Sasuke had been the "weak one" among the "old, weak, sick, and disabled"—Ran's mouth twitched.
"Listen. Don't learn that one," Ran said seriously. "You're still too young, and your Chakra reserves are limited. Even if you used it, the power would be greatly reduced."
He wasn't lying.
Chakra was the foundation of all ninjutsu. With enough Chakra, any elemental technique could erupt with terrifying power.
A perfect example was Senju Tobirama—someone who seemed to have signed a contract with the ocean, capable of using Water Release anywhere, even without water.
As for Senju Hashirama… he wasn't worth using as a benchmark at all. He existed on a completely different level.
Sasuke pouted and continued tugging at Ran's Hokage robe, refusing to let go.
Ran sighed, rubbed Sasuke's head, and finally selected a technique from Uchiha Madara's memories.
A C-rank ninjutsu.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique."
"Alright," Ran said. "I'll teach you this one. Memorize the hand seal sequence."
As he spoke, Ran formed seals smoothly.
Rat → Tiger → Dog → Ox → Hare → Tiger.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
He leapt backward, aimed at the open ground ahead, took a deep breath—and spat.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Three fireballs shot out, slamming into the ground and blasting shallow craters, black scorch marks spreading outward.
This was after Ran had reduced his Chakra output by more than a hundredfold.
But in Sasuke's eyes, it was unbelievably cool.
"Wooooow—so cool! Big brother, that's amazing! I want to learn it, I really want to learn it!"
Sasuke dashed over excitedly.
Ran smiled helplessly, his heart completely softened by his little brother's enthusiasm. He pinched Sasuke's chubby cheeks.
"Alright, alright. I'll teach you."
That night, before bed, Ran patiently taught Sasuke the hand seals for the Phoenix Sage Fire, explained the Chakra flow, and shared Madara's understanding of the technique.
It had to be said—Sasuke's talent truly wasn't bad. He memorized everything Ran said almost word for word.
Even more impressive was his initiative. He immediately started practicing.
With a serious expression on his face, Sasuke looked surprisingly convincing—almost like a real expert.
He formed the seals carefully.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
He mimicked Ran's backward leap and spat forward.
Only—
The fireballs that came out were more like tiny sparks.
Ran's mouth twitched.
He silently took back what he had said earlier about Sasuke's talent.
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